Iron Deficiency and Cognitive Function in Neurological Systems
Summary
Iron is an essential micronutrient that underpins numerous neurological processes, including myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis and mitochondrial energy metabolism. In the central nervous system, iron deficiency disrupts the formation of oligodendrocytes and impairs synaptic plasticity, leading to deficits in attention, memory, executive function and processing speed. These impairments are observed across the lifespan but are most pronounced in periods of rapid neural development and in populations with elevated requirements, such as pregnant women, infants and adolescents. Beyond classical haematological outcomes, iron deficiency alters cerebral oxygen consumption and glucose utilisation, exacerbating cognitive load under demanding tasks. Globally, iron insufficiency remains one of the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies, contributing to reduced educational attainment, diminished work productivity and increased socioeconomic burden. Recent advances have elucidated the mechanistic links between peripheral iron biomarkers and central nervous system function, highlighting potential avenues for dietary and agronomic interventions as a means to bolster cognitive health.
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Technical terms
Ferritin: Intracellular protein that stores iron and reflects the body’s iron reserves.
Haemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells reliant on iron for its synthesis.
Anaemia: Clinical condition marked by reduced haemoglobin or red blood cell count, often due to iron deficiency.
Electroencephalography (EEG): Non-invasive technique for recording electrical activity of the brain.
Biofortification: Agricultural process of increasing nutrient content of staple crops through breeding or genetic approaches.
References
- Consumption of Iron-Biofortified Beans Positively Affects Cognitive Performance in 18- to 27-Year-Old Rwandan Female College Students in an 18-Week Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial. Journal of Nutrition (2017).
- Changes in Iron Status Are Related to Changes in Brain Activity and Behavior in Rwandan Female University Students: Results from a Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial Involving Iron-Biofortified Beans. Journal of Nutrition (2019).
- Modeling relationships between iron status, behavior, and brain electrophysiology: evidence from a randomized study involving a biofortified grain in Indian adolescents. BMC Public Health (2022).
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